Police arrested two suspects in East London and seized a number of stolen bank cards and cash. Image: Facebook, South African Police Service
Safer Festive season operation: 683 suspects arrested, drugs seized
‘More boots on the ground’ themed Safer Festive season operations swept out drugs and arrested suspects found on the wrong side of the law
Police arrested two suspects in East London and seized a number of stolen bank cards and cash. Image: Facebook, South African Police Service
The Safer Festive season operations in the Western Cape reduced crime significantly after the arrests of over 500 suspects and the confiscation of drugs.
SAFE FESTIVE SEASON OPERATIONS UNPACKED
“Safer Festive Season Operations with the strategic deployment of men and women in blue under the theme ‘More boots on the ground towards enhanced police visibility’, yielded excellent results with the arrest of 683 suspects and the confiscation of drugs with an estimated street value of R250 000 during crime combatting operations in the Garden Route District (GRD) which commenced on Tuesday, 27 December 2022 until 02 January 2023.”
Sergeant Christopher Spies
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UNITS INVOLVED IN THE MORE BOOTS ON THE GROUND INITIATIVE
He said various police units which include members attached to the Garden Route Crime Combatting Team, Rural Flying Squad, Public Order Police, Crime Intelligence, K9 and the station’s crime prevention units were deployed in a number of crime-fighting efforts as part of the Western Cape police’s operational plan. It included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, closing down of shebeens, compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, security companies and liquor-licenced premises, high-density patrols, foot patrols at malls and beaches.
“All operations were conducted in conjunction with Western Cape Provincial Traffic, Municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement of local authorities, security companies as well as community safety structures (neighbourhood watches, farm watches and street committees),” he further explained.
Spies added that substance abuse remains one of the biggest contributors to serious and violent crimes in this region.
“Focused operations led to the arrest of 141 suspects for drug related offences, 131 for possession of drugs and 10 for dealing in drugs. The forces confiscated 2570 mandrax tablets, 204 gram tik, 100 gram of cocaine and 1,2 kilogram of dagga. More than 2000 dagga trees were also confiscated in crime vested areas. Other than this, police also confiscated just over 30 litres of liquor during the closing down of illegal outlets, “ he unpacked.
He further detailed that road safety operations to ensure the safety of road users and pedestrians on highways, byways and secondary roads led to the arrest of seven suspects for driving motor vehicles whilst under the influence of liquor.
“Two stolen vehicles were also recovered,” he stated.
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POLICE VOW TO SUSTAIN THE OPERATIONS
Spies confirmed that all arrested suspects are expected to appear in their respective courts once charged.
“The Safer Festive Season Operations form part of concerted efforts by police to safeguard communities and visitors to the region as well as to curb serious and violent crimes normally reported during this period. This strategic deployment of police resources in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies will be sustained for the rest of the festive period and beyond,” he concluded.
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